WO2011057418A1

WO2011057418A1 - Method and device for exposing an adhesive contained in a container to a gas, and coupling element

Info

Publication number: WO2011057418A1
Application number: PCT/CH2010/000274
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Simmler
Original assignee: Alfa Klebstoffe Ag
Priority date: 2009-11-11
Filing date: 2010-11-03
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Also published as: EP2322468A1

Abstract

According to the invention, a method for exposing an adhesive contained in a container to a gas for regulating the pH comprises the following steps: a) providing the adhesive in a storable state in a container; b) connecting a gas cartridge (4) containing a gas to a line connection (2) of the container for regulating the pH before the adhesive is used; c) waiting for a defined time period for regulating the pH to elapse; and d) removing the gas cartridge (4) from the line connection (2) for the subsequent use of the adhesive before a pot life has elapsed, wherein a BiB package (1) (BiB: bag-in-box) is used as the container.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR EXPLOITING AN ADHESIVE CONTAINED IN A PACKAGE WITH A GAS, AND COUPLING ELEMENT

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for applying an adhesive contained in a container with a gas for pH control, comprising the following steps: a) providing the adhesive in a storable state in a container, b) connecting a gas cartridge containing a gas to a line connection of the container for pH control prior to application of the adhesive, c) waiting for a defined period of time for the pH control, and d) Remove the gas cartridge from the line connection for subsequent application of the adhesive before the end of a pot life.

The invention further relates to a coupling element and a set of equipment for carrying out the method. State of the art

In a dispersion adhesive are adhesive components such. B. polymer particles dissolved in a dispersion medium such as in particular water. The polymer particles may include, for example, a polychloroprene and an acrylate. The water content is usually between 40 and 70 weight percent. The adhesive can be filled and delivered in a so-called BiB packaging (bite: bag-in-box). A BiB package has a flexible inner bag, for example made of plastic, which is supported by a stable shell, in particular a cardboard sheath. The packaging BiB can have a line connection to it a processing device such. B. connect a spray gun and the adhesive zuzuleiten this. WO 01/79072 shows a BiB packaging for storing drinks after mixing ("post mix"). It has a collapsible bag, which is arranged in a cardboard box or plastic box. The bag has a drainpipe which passes through the wall of the box to drain a liquid, usually by connecting a pump. When draining the liquid, liquid pockets can be formed in normal BiB packages which are isolated from the drain and therefore the contents of the liquid pockets can not be removed. The inside of the footprint of the BiB packaging is tilted against the drainpipe, so that by gravity the liquid is led to the drainpipe and the amount of non-removable residual liquid can be reduced. When using the dispersion adhesive this is applied to the surfaces to be bonded by spraying, brushing, rolling or knife coating and the surfaces are then joined together. In a drying phase, the dispersion medium is evaporated, with the adhesive components approaching and those to be bonded Connect surfaces. By adding an acid, the ph value can be adjusted and the adhesion process can be controlled. In particular, the acid lowers the pH, which in turn increases the tack and / or viscosity of the dispersion adhesive. For example, C0 ₂ can be used, which is a gaseous acid that forms carbonic acid. To add C0 _{2 to} the adhesive, it is filled into a rigid container, such as a beer keg, so that C0 ₂ can be added under pressure. Beer kegs have a high compressive strength and are available in the prior art in a variety of designs, eg. B. as disposable sheet metal containers or beer kegs or as known under the trade name KeyKeg® disposable plastic container. It is known to fill KeyKeg® disposable plastic containers with an adhesive. By means of transfer, the adhesive is fed to a spray gun. The application of the adhesive with CO ₂ takes place, for example, in a mixer in front of the spray gun. Instead of supplying the adhesive by means of transferring the spray gun, the supply can be effected by a C0 ₂ cartridge, whereby at the same time an exposure of the adhesive with C0 _{2 is} effected.

The disadvantage of the above-outlined technical development of adhesives is that the use of C0 ₂ as a pH regulator is associated with pressure-resistant, dimensionally stable containers made of metal or plastic. Such containers are heavy, cost relatively much and require a lot of space during storage. In addition, there are some problems with disposal.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a method according to the above-mentioned technical field, which includes an adhesive activation step and thereby avoids the disadvantages of the disposal available in the prior art. The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, a method of applying an adhesive contained in a container with a gas for pH control comprises the following steps: a) providing the adhesive in a storable state in a container, b) connecting a gas cartridge containing a gas to a line connection of the container for pH control before applying the adhesive, c) waiting for a defined time period for the pH control, d) removing the gas cartridge from the line connection for subsequent application of the adhesive before the end of a pot life, using a BiB (Bite: Bag-in-Box) package as a container.

BiB packaging can be produced cheaply and disposed of very easily. The empty BiB package can be collapsed, reducing volume, and fed to the usual waste disposal infrastructure.

Preferably, the container is shaken in the process for applying the adhesive contained in a container while waiting for a defined time period for the pH control. This has a particular accelerating effect on the pH control.

Advantageously, an application of the adhesive takes place before the end of a pot life and / or a processing of the adhesive in a free-flow system. In use, the container with respect to a height above the earth's surface in this case in particular an adhesive application device, for. As an injection device, held so that the adhesive flows independently due to gravity from the container in the adhesive application device. On additional funding, such. As pumps, can be omitted, which allows a simpler and cheaper application.

However, it can also be advantageous to generate an overpressure in the container, so that even highly viscous adhesives can be processed in the free flow. In this case, z. For example, the amount of CO 2 added can be selected to be greater than the amount of CO 2 that can be absorbed by the dispersion adhesive in the container. The excess of CO 2 results in a corresponding overpressure in the container. Preferably, a protective cover of the line connection is removed before connecting the gas cartridge to the line connection of the BiB packaging, for example by opening a screw cap. By removing the protective cover, the coupling device for the protective cover is released at the line connection, which can be used for the simple connection of the gas cartridge to the line connection.

Alternatively, when connecting the gas cartridge, a sealing membrane is penetrated, for example by the closure membrane being pierced or cut out with a knife fixed against the gas cartridge when the gas cartridge is screwed onto a thread of the conduit connection.

Preferably, a coupling element is used to connect the gas cartridge to the line connection, which can be screwed onto the line connection instead of the protective cover. The coupling element has a nipple with a check valve, so that a gas cartridge can be placed. The coupling element also has a mandrel (or a cutting edge), which cuts through a membrane of the gas cartridge, so that the gas can flow into the container. The check valve prevents the gas from escaping from the container. By appropriately dimensioned coupling elements, the inventive method can be used in a simple manner with different geometries of the gas cartridge or the line connection.

Alternatively, the gas cartridge is placed directly on the pipe connection. In this case, however, only gas cartridges can be used whose geometry coincides with that of the pipe connection.

Preferably, a pressure reducing device is used to reduce the pressure between the gas cartridge and the line connection. As a result, the application of the adhesive can be additionally controlled, for example, by waiting for a longer period of time at reduced pressure in order to carry out the pH regulation. The reduced pressure can ensure that the container is not overly stressed is so that a simple construction of the container is sufficient and thus an easy production and disposal is possible.

Preferably, a dispersion adhesive with a C0 ₂ gas is applied, wherein the pressure is built up only temporarily, as the C0 ₂ gas mixes with the dispersion adhesive and the pressure is thereby lowered again. The requirement for the stability of the container can be lowered, so that the container can be made in a simple design, whereby both the ease of manufacture and disposal of the container is guaranteed. Depending on the application and adhesive, it may also be advantageous to apply oxygen to the dispersion adhesive in addition to or instead of CO 2.

Alternatively, another adhesive is charged with another gas. As a result, however, higher pressures can occur in the container, so that in order to ensure the stability of the container, a corresponding design effort driven and / or correspondingly stable materials must be used. This leads to an increase in the cost of the container and possibly also to an increased expense in the disposal of the container.

Preferably, after the application of fluid to the gas, the line connection is connected to an injection device. The gas activated with the liquid can thus be sprayed onto desired objects and used. This ensures that the liquid is consumed in the activated state and in particular within the pot life.

Alternatively, after the liquid has been supplied with a gas, the line connection is closed again. The container can be stored in this state or transported to a place of use. This is especially possible with a long pot life or if a period of time has to wait to activate. However, the container must be closely monitored, so that the use of the liquid does not take place after the pot life.

A coupling element for carrying out the described method comprises on one side means for connecting a gas cartridge and on another side means for Connecting to a line connection. Such means may be designed in particular as a screw or as a bayonet lock. The coupling element may have a check valve to prevent the escape of gas from the container. The coupling element has, for example, a stuck pin to open when connecting a valve of the gas cartridge. The coupling element also has seals and / or sealing surfaces, so that the gas from the gas cartridge is reliably guided into the container. Once the gas cartridge has emptied, it can be removed, whereby the check valve ensures that the gas is kept in the container. After waiting for a defined period of time in which the adhesive in the container is activated and pH controlled, the coupling element can be removed and the use of the activated adhesive commenced.

The coupling element preferably has a pressure reduction device for reducing the pressure between the gas cartridge and the line connection. This ensures that the pressure in the container remains limited. Thus, the design requirements and / or material requirements of the container can be further simplified.

Alternatively, a pressure reducing device is arranged in the gas cartridge. In another alternative, a pressure reduction device is completely dispensed with. The pressure reducing device may further comprise an adjusting device to adjust the value of the pressure reduction. Thus, with a large pressure reduction, it may be necessary to wait a longer period of time until the gas has been completely transferred to the container, while at a slight pressure reduction the gas is transferred to the container in a shorter period of time.

An apparatus set for carrying out the method described comprises: a) a container containing an adhesive in a storable state, the container having a line connection; and b) a gas cartridge containing a gas, the gas cartridge being connectable to the line port of the container for an adjustable period of time to provide pH control of the adhesive prior to application of the adhesive, wherein the container is a BiB packaging.

With such a set of equipment, an optimal interaction of the necessary for the activation of the adhesive admission to a gas can be ensured. Thus, with the gas cartridge, a gas with the desired composition, the required amount and the desired pressure are supplied to the container, these process parameters are optimally adapted to the adhesive contained in the container.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container has at least two separate line connections. A first line connection is z. B. connectable to the gas cartridge for charging the container with a gas, while a second line connection, for example, with an adhesive application device, for. B. an injection device, is connectable. As a result, the container can be acted upon even when the adhesive applicator device is connected with gas, which simplifies handling.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims, further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention result.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show: Fig. 1 a BiB package and a CGy cartridge; and FIG. 2 shows a BiB packaging with attached spray gun;

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

1 shows a BiB packaging 1 with a flexible inner bag 1. 1 and a stable outer shell 1 .2. The inner bag 1. 1 is made of a flexible material, such as for example, a film composite material (eg, aluminum / polyethylene or polyethylene in conjunction with ethyl vinyl alcohol / ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer). The outer shell 1 .2 consists of a dimensionally stable material, such as a corrugated cardboard. The inner bag 1. 1 is in particular adapted to receive and store a liquid, wherein protection of the inner bag 1 .1 and improved transportability are achieved by the stable outer casing 1 .2.

At the BiB packaging 1, a line connection 2 is attached. The line connection 2 is held on the inner bag 1 .1 and protrudes through an opening in the stable outer shell 1 .2, so that the liquid of the BiB packaging can flow out through the line connection 2. In order to accelerate or control the outflow, the line connection 2 may be connected to a pump and / or to a valve. _j FIG. 1 is a C0 ₂ cartridge 4 is shown, which can be connected to the line terminal 2 to impart the liquid contained in the PiP packaging C0 _2. The line connection 2 also advantageously has an unillustrated shut-off valve. As C0 ₂ cartridge 4, a commercial cartridge can be used, with a content of, for example, about 16 g C0 ₂ gas at a pressure of z. B. about 60 bar. Depending on the design of the C0 ₂ cartridge 4, it may contain a very different amount of C0 ₂ gas at a very different pressure. The C0 ₂ cartridge 4 and the conduit connection 2 may have threads or other connection means, so that the CGyPatrone 4 can be connected either directly or via an adapter 3 at the line connection 2. There may be a pressure reducing device may be provided to the in the C0 ₂ - to reduce prevailing cartridge 4 pressure, so that the CO _z gas is only at a reduced pressure to the line terminal 2 and thus directed to the content of the PIP packaging. 1 The pressure reduction device can be arranged, for example, on the adapter 3.

When using the C0 ₂ cartridge 4, this is connected to the line connection 2 and it is a defined time to wait to apply the liquid contained in the BiB packaging 1 with C0 ₂ . The type of CGyPatron and / or the time for charging the liquid with C0 ₂ may be printed on the BiB packaging 1, for example. The time for charging with C0 ₂ , for example, between 3 and 8 minutes. Advantageously, the BiB packaging 1 is shaken after being charged with CO _{2 in} order to accelerate the pH regulation in the liquid.

FIG. 2 shows a BiB packaging 1 with a flexible inner bag 1. 1 and a stable outer shell 1 .2. The line connection 2 is connected via a first hose 6 to a commercial spray gun 5. The BiB packaging 1 is arranged with respect to the earth's surface above the spray gun 5, so that the liquid contained in the BiB packaging 1 passes into the spray gun 5 due to gravity without additional funding. The BiB packaging 1, the tube 6 and the spray gun 5 thus form a free-flow system. The spray gun 5 comprises a handle 5.2 and a spray nozzle 5. 1. Compressed air for the operation of the spray gun 5 is supplied to the spray gun 5 via a second hose 7, so that the liquid contained in the BiB pack is atomized in the spray nozzle 5. 1 into a liquid mist 5.3. The first tube 6 and the second tube 7 are, for example, commercially available PVC (PVC: polyvinyl chloride), TEFLON®, polyethylene or polyamide tubes.

In summary, it should be noted that a low-cost method for applying a gas contained in a container is described with a gas, the disposal of the container after use can be done through the usual infrastructure for the disposal of waste.

Claims

claims

Method for applying a pH-regulated gas to an adhesive contained in a container, comprising the following steps: a) providing the adhesive in a storable state in a container, b) connecting a gas cartridge (4) containing a gas to a line connector (2) c) waiting for a defined period of time for the pH control, and d) removing the gas cartridge (4) from the line connection (2) for subsequent application of the adhesive before the end of a pot life, thereby in that e) a package (1) (bite: bag-in-box) is used as the container.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that before the connection of the gas cartridge (4) to the line connection (2) of the packaging BiB (1) a protective cover of the line connection (2) is removed.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that for connecting the gas cartridge (4) to the line connection (2), a coupling element is used.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a pressure reducing device is used to reduce the pressure between the gas cartridge (4) and the line connection (2).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a dispersion adhesive with a C0 ₂ gas is applied.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that after the application of the liquid with a gas, the line connection (2) with an injection device (5) is connected.

7. Coupling element for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling element comprises on one side means for connecting a gas cartridge (4) and on another side comprises means for connection to a line connection (2).

8. Coupling element according to claim 9, characterized in that the coupling element has a pressure reducing device for reducing the pressure between gas cartridge (4) and line connection (2).

9. Equipment set for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: a) a container containing an adhesive in a storable state, wherein the

Container has at least a first line connection (2); and b) a gas cartridge (4) containing a gas, the gas cartridge (4) being connectable to the first conduit port (2) of the container for an adjustable period of time to effect pH control of the adhesive prior to application of the adhesive; characterized in that c) the container is a BiB packaging (1).

10. Equipment set according to claim 9, characterized in that the container has at least two separate line connections, wherein an adhesive application device, preferably an injection device can be connected to a second line connection.